UHMW, also known as UHMW-PE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material, with a continuous use temperature range of up to 180° F (82° C).
Benefits of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW)
Superior abrasion resistance
Low coefficient of friction
Good corrosion resistance
Excellent impact strength
Shape
Sizes
Dimensions: 12″ x 12″ to 60″ x 120″
Thickness: 0.060″ – 6″
Diameter: 0.25″ – 10″
Length: 1′ – 10′
Outside Diameter: 0.875″ – 9.5″
Length: 5′ – 10′
Technical Resources
- Polycarbonate vs. Acrylic vs. Glass: What’s the Best Fit for Your Project?
- PVC vs CPVC: Which Is Better?
- Polypropylene vs. Polyethylene: How Do They Differ?
- Thermosets vs Thermoplastics: How They Differ
- Homopolymer vs Copolymer
- Plastics Pyramid
- Amorphous vs Semicrystalline
- Fiber Reinforced Panel Alternatives
- How To Choose the Right Plastic for Your Project
- LEXAN™ CLINIWALL™: Next Generation Wall Cladding
- BioPhorum, Polymershapes, and the Future of Material Sterilization
- Design for Manufacturability and Its Importance
Suppliers / Brands
Common Applications
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Aerospace
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Automotive
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Bearings & Bushings
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Building & Construction
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Chemical Processing
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Food & Beverage Preparation/Processing
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Forestry and Lumber Plastics
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Gaskets & Seals
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Gears
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Heavy Equipment
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Hoppers & Bed Liners
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Machine Shops
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Milling & Mining
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Oil & Gas
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Orthotics
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Outrigger Pads
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Packaging & Conveying Equipment
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Playground Equipment
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Prototyping & Tooling
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Recreational Vehicles
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Semiconductors & Electronics
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Sheaves
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Sporting Goods
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Valves & Fittings
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Wear Strips
Physical Properties
| Units | ASTM Test | Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength @ break @ 73°F | psi | D638 | 3,550 – 5,800 |
| Flexural modulus @ 73°F | psi | D790 | 98,300 – 222,000 |
| Izod impact (notched) | ft-lbs/in of notch | D256 | 1.0 – 16 |
| Water absorption @ 73°F – 24 hours | % | D570 | <0.01 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) | (in/in F) | D696 | 6.8E-5 to 7.8E-5 |
| Coefficient of friction | D1894 | 0.08 – 0.2 | |
| Deflection Temperature Under Load @ 264 psi | °F | D648 | 154 – 173 |
* Technical Data is provided courtesy of UL Prospector (www.ulprospector.com) and IAPD (www.IAPD.org).
Data is to be considered representative and is provided for guidance only. All product performance must be verified by the user under actual application conditions.
